The maritime strategy of China in the Asia-Pacific region

摘要: This thesis aims to examine how and why a continental-oriented China has shifted its maritime strategic orientation naval force structure from coast toward the far seas in an era of interdependent international system. Generally, is ancient continental land power with incomplete oceanic awareness. With transformation after Cold War China’s grand strategy landward security seaward security, interests have gradually become most essential part rationale. Undoubtedly, quest for sea rights Beijing’s main issue. Given escalating politico-economic-military leverage Asia-Pacific region, desire leading embodying global thinking means that it must expand by developing navy preparing armed confrontation terms relations realism. Conversely, policy leads at same time towards globalization, which involves multilateralism coexistence more pragmatic kind. research analyses Chinese asking: ‘Whither ever changing environment since PRC was established 1949?’ In general, contemporary national closely connected comprehensive plan economy, energy supplies sovereignty. According view environment, traditional territorial scramble control waters, resources, critical lanes. As result, economic competition key focus many nations. this, understandable expansion high approach. consequence, this study asks: ‘In order shape Sinocentric rising power, approach one military antagonism region.’ recent years, Beijing has, purposefully, changed Maoist-style coastal defence activities offshore ultimately defence. Importantly, aspiration clear white papers. 2004 Defence White Paper China, clearly acknowledges shift priority apropos building People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) winning command conducting counter-strikes. Meanwhile, according 2006 Paper, states concerns energy, finance, information shipping routes are mounting. To achieve capacity, PLAN’s mission urgent. It extend capabilities increase depth. 2008 emphasizes struggles locations, dominance intensified. implies PLA ground operations regional trans-regional mobility. infers direction defence few words, grand-strategic opportunity, only littoral fortunate enough have. such state. use growing natural ambitions long-range projection generated much concern. Regarding dilemma Asia-Pacific, undeniably, crux problem whether emerging can play role responsible stakeholder there.